On the vast platform that is the Windows Operating System, users are continually introduced to a myriad of features tailored to optimize their computing experience. Microsoft, in its relentless pursuit of innovation, consistently unveils functionalities that cater to diverse user requirements. Among these myriad tools is the ability to toggle a volume’s status between read-only and writable modes. This feature serves as a safeguard, allowing users to protect their data by preventing unauthorized modifications or deletions. Whether you’re seeking to enhance the security of your sensitive data or ensure that a shared volume remains unaltered, this read-only mode proves invaluable. Conversely, if a volume is inadvertently set to read-only, knowing how to revert it to its writable state can be equally crucial. In this risewindows article, we will unravel the intricacies of setting or removing the read-only or write-protect status on volumes across Windows 11, 10, 8, and 7. Join us as we delve deep into the steps and scenarios where this feature can be effectively employed.
Why Should You Set a Volume to Read-Only Mode?
Before diving into the procedures, it’s essential to grasp the reasons behind setting a volume to Read-Only mode. The primary purpose of this feature is to safeguard your data, especially when sharing your computer, external drive, or USB flash drive with others, be it friends, colleagues, or external entities. When you set your drive to read-only, it ensures that your critical information remains untouched and unmodified. By making your storage device read-only, you add an additional layer of protection. Even if exposed to potential threats, your data remains inaccessible for modifications, ensuring that malware or viruses cannot tamper with it. While this mode allows users to open and view the contents, it restricts any edits or deletions. In this risewindows guide, we’ll walk you through the following steps and considerations:-
- How to Set a Volume Read-Only or Write Protect in Windows 11/10/8/7?
- How to Remove Read-Only or Write Protect Mode from a Volume in Windows 11/10/8/7?
How to Set a Volume Read-Only or Write-Protect on Windows 11 / 10 / 8 / 7?
Use the following steps to set a volume as read-only on a Windows computer:-
Step 1: Open an elevated Command Prompt on your computer.
You can do so by going to the Run dialog box by simultaneously using Windows Logo + R. Now, type cmd and then press Ctrl + Shift + Enter. The command prompt will now run as an administrator.
Click Yes if User Account Control (UAC) dialog box prompts.
Step 2: Type the following in the Command Prompt and press Enter:-
diskpart
Step 3: Now, type the following in the DISKPART prompt and press Enter:-
list volume
After you complete the above steps, all the externally attached volumes will now be listed on your computer.
Step 4: Write down the volume number you to write protect. After you’ve done it, type the following and press Enter:-
select volume volume-number
Note: Now refer to the details that you have noted before and replace the volume number with the one that you want to write-protect. For instance, we are going to make write-protect or read-only to Volume 2. Hence, my command will be “select volume 2.”
Step 5: Now, type the following and press Enter:-
attributes volume set readonly
Now a message will appear on your DISKPART that says “Volume attributes set successfully.”
The above steps will help you write-protect your selected disk.
How to Remove Read-Only or Write Protect Mode from a Volume on Windows 11/10/8/7?
Use the following steps to remove read-only or write-protection from a volume on a Windows computer:-
Step 1: Open an elevated Command Prompt on your computer.
You can do so by going to the Run dialog box by simultaneously using Windows Logo + R. Now, type cmd and then press Ctrl + Shift + Enter. The command prompt will now run as an administrator.
Click Yes if User Account Control (UAC) dialog box prompts.
Step 2: Type the following in the Command Prompt and press Enter:-
diskpart
Step 3: Now, type the following in the DISKPART prompt and press Enter:-
list volume
After you complete the above steps, all the externally attached volumes will now be listed on your computer.
Note: You can go ahead and write protect with the help of the disk command. However, you will not be able to protect external volumes using these commands.
Step 4: Write down the volume number you don’t want to be write protected. After you’ve done it, type the following and press Enter:-
select volume volume-number
Note: Now refer to the details that you have noted before and replace the volume number with the one that you want to write-protect. For instance, we are going to make write-protect or read-only to Volume 2. Hence, my command will be “select volume 2.”
Step 5: Type the following and press Enter on your keyboard:-
attributes volume clear readonly
The above steps will help you go back to the previous settings and remove the write-protected setting from the volumes.
Conclusion
In the ever-evolving realm of the Windows Operating System, users are constantly presented with enhanced tools and features to refine their digital interactions. One such nuanced capability lies in the domain of data protection, allowing users to toggle their storage volumes between read-only and writable modes. Such a feature, albeit simple, provides an instrumental layer of defense against unintended data alterations or potential malware threats, especially in shared computing environments. Setting a volume to read-only ensures that its contents remain unaltered, offering a sanctuary for crucial data. On the other hand, there might be instances when reverting from read-only mode becomes imperative, and understanding how to do so seamlessly is equally important. This risewindows guide has illuminated the intricacies of both scenarios, equipping you with the knowledge to maneuver through these settings adeptly. Whether you’re striving to shield your data or restore full access to a volume, these steps provide a clear pathway. Dive into the world of advanced data management with confidence, knowing that your data’s sanctity is always within your control.
